CERT training to be offered by the Northshore Emergency Management Coalition from Feb. 8 to March 24

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is an organization of volunteer emergency workers who have received specific training in basic disaster response skills with the intent of supplementing existing emergency responders in the event of a major disaster.

Following a major disaster, local fire, medical, police, city and other first responders may not be able to meet the demand for their services. Residents and visitors of the community may need to rely on each other for help in order to meet their immediate life-sustaining needs.

The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition is hosting a CERT training program Feb. 8 through March 24 that will cover on local hazards, basic disaster preparedness and provides hands-on training that includes fire safety, light search and rescue and disaster medical operations.

During actual emergencies in the cities of Kenmore and Lake Forest Park, CERT volunteers may be called upon to assist city staff and other partner agencies in performing a wide variety of tasks to help our community respond and recover.

The CERT training program begins on Feb. 8 and will be on Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the final disaster simulation on Saturday, March 24. Sessions will take place at the Northshore Fire Department, 7220 NE 181st Street.

Space is limited to the first 30 applicants. Click here to view the CERT informational flyer, and here to view the CERT training registration form. There is a course fee of $35.